Lubrication Device

ABSTRACT

A lubrication assembly is provided for lubricating a surface with a lubricant. The lubrication assembly includes a tube adapted to be coupled to the surface. The tube defines a reservoir for storing the lubricant thereon. The lubrication assembly also includes a wiper that is coupled to the tube. The wiper includes a first portion in fluid communication with the lubricant and a second portion disposed for continuous contact with the surface for automatically transferring and supplying the lubricant from the reservoir to the surface. The lubricant reduces frictional properties of the surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/785,088, filed on March 23, 2006 andentitled “Treadmill Lube Assembly.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a lubrication assembly, and more particularlyto a lubrication assembly having a wiper for applying a lubricant to asurface.

2. Description of Related Art

Lubrication assemblies are used in many different applications forapplying lubricants to a surface that requires lubrication. Suchapplications include lubricating hot and cold rolled steel prior tocoiling the steel, lubricating steel blanks prior to part processingsuch as by deep drawing, conditioning of bowling lanes, and lubricatingbearings, chains and belts in conveyor systems, just to name a few.

Various methods have been used to lubricate the surface in relation tothe above applications. For example, the lubricant can be rubbed ontothe surface, the lubricant can be embedded into the surface, a non-stickcoating can be applied to the surface, the lubricant can be applied by aroller, and the lubricant can be sprayed onto the surface using anautomated spraying system. As well, a host of other methods may beemployed with mediocre results.

There are, however, problems associated with all of the previouslydescribed methods. In relation to lubricating a conveyor belt, theeffect of rubbing, embedding, or applying the lubricant to the belt orsurface at a point in time diminishes as the conveyor is used.Eventually the conveyor must be serviced in some way so as to restore anacceptable coefficient of friction. Additionally, rubbing, embedding, orapplying the lubricant to the belt may result in flakes being producedas the lubricant is rubbed off during use. On the other hand, automaticlubrication systems require sophisticated pumps to apply a liquidlubricant and a monitoring circuit is employed to monitor theapplication of the liquid lubricant. Such assemblies add expense and areprone to nozzle blockage and failure. In addition, reservoirs filledwith liquid lubricant may spill or leak.

Consequently, it is desirable to provide a simple and inexpensivelubrication assembly for applying a consistent amount of lubricant to asurface over time. It is also desirable that the lubrication assembly beleak proof to prevent any unwanted lubricant from escaping. It isfurther desirable that the lubrication assembly not produce flakes oflubricant. Finally, it is desirable that the lubrication assembly and/orthe lubricant be easily replaceable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, a lubrication assembly isprovided for lubricating a surface with a lubricant. The lubricationassembly includes a tube adapted to be coupled to the surface. The tubedefines a reservoir for storing the lubricant therein. The lubricationassembly also includes a wiper that is coupled to the tube. The wiperincludes a first portion in fluid communication with the lubricant and asecond portion disposed for continuous contact with the surface forautomatically transferring and supplying the lubricant from thereservoir to the surface. The lubricant reduces frictional properties ofthe surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, a lubrication assembly isprovided for a treadmill. The treadmill includes a support deck and anendless belt that extends in a closed loop around the support deck. Theendless belt includes an interior surface that engages the support deckresulting in friction therebetween. The lubrication assembly includes atleast one tube adapted to be coupled to the support deck. The at leastone tube defines a reservoir therein. A lubricant is disposed within thereservoir. A wiper is coupled to the at least one tube. The wiperincludes a first portion in fluid communication with the lubricants anda second portion disposed for continuous contact with the interiorsurface of the endless belt. The wiper automatically transfers andsupplies the lubricant from the reservoir to the endless belt as theendless belt moves relative to the wiper. The lubricant reduces thefriction between the support deck and the interior surface of theendless belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as thesame becomes better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription when considered in connection with the accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lubrication assembly according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 1 lubricatinga movable member;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is bottom view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is front view of a lubrication assembly according to a secondembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the lubrication assembly of FIG. 6 lubricatinga movable member;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the lubrication assembly ofFIG. 6 lubricating the movable member;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a treadmill including the lubricationassembly of FIG. 1 or FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the treadmill of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, side view of the treadmill including thelubrication assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, side view of the treadmill including thelubrication assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 12illustrating the lubrication assembly of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, side view of the treadmill including a quickrelease system supporting the lubrication assembly of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a lubrication assembly is generallyshown at 10. In the embodiment shown, the lubrication assembly 10 isprovided for lubricating a movable member or surface 12 and is adaptedfor mounting to a stationary member or surface 14, as is described inmore detail below. The lubrication assembly 10 includes an elongatedrectangular tube 16 extending between a first end 18 and a second end20. The tube 16 includes a top side 22, a bottom side 24, a back side26, and a front side 28 defining a reservoir 3O within the tube 16. Thefront side 28 includes an opening 32 therein. A removable front cover 34is adapted to be fixedly secured to the front side 28 of the tube 16 forcovering the opening 32. The front cover 34 is fixedly secured to thetube 16 using a plurality of screws 36 or other similar fasteners. Thefront cover 34 includes an integral clamping portion 38, the purpose ofwhich is described below. It is appreciated that the tube 16 is notlimited to the rectangular shape shown in the Figures, but could also bea cylindrical tube or other various shapes. The top side 22 includesfirst and second portions 40, 42 that extend beyond the respective firstand second ends 18, 20 of the tube 16. The first and second portions 40,42 each include an aperture or opening 44 for receiving a bolt or othersimilar fastener (not shown) therethrough for mounting the lubricationassembly 10 to the stationary member 14.

Referring to FIG. 5, the reservoir 30 is filled with a lubricant storingand releasing material 46, such as an oil impregnated, fibrous wickingmaterial as is disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,466,244;3,214,375; and 2,966,459, which are hereby incorporated by reference.Two examples of the material 46 that can be used in the reservoir 30 arePERMAWICK® and PERMAGEL®, which are produced by Permawick Company ofBingham Farms, Mi. The material 46 provides a predetermined oil releasefactor which controls or regulates the rate at which lubricant isreleased. Unlike an entirely, liquid lubricant, the material 46 iseasily contained within the reservoir 30 such that an additional benefitof using the material 46 is the prevention of unwanted lubricantescaping from the reservoir 30. Additionally, because the front cover 34is removable, the reservoir 30 may be easily accessed to replace thematerial 46 after a specified period of time. While the lubricant usedin the embodiment shown is released by the material 46 disposed in thereservoir 30, it will be appreciated that any of a plurality oflubricants may be used without varying from the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the lubrication assembly 10 alsoincludes a wiper or applicator 48 for automatically transferring andsupplying lubricant from the reservoir 30 to the movable member 12. Aflow restrictor, generally shown at 50, is provided for securing thewiper 48 to the lubrication assembly 10 and regulating the flow oflubricant through the wiper 48. More specifically, the flow restrictor50 includes a base, generally indicated at 52, which is fixedly securedto the lubrication assembly 10 by a pair of bolts or screws 54 extendingthrough the clamping portion 38 of the front cover 34 and the base 52.The base 52 includes a pair of spaced apart blocks 56 each having an endsurface 58 and a cylindrical connecting member 60 extendingtherebetween. The end surface 58 of the blocks 56 abuts the clampingportion 38 of the front cover 34 thereby defining a gap 62 between theconnecting member 60 and the front cover 34 when the base 52 is fixedlysecured thereto, as shown in FIG. 4. The wiper 48 extends through thegap 62. In the embodiment shown, the flow restrictor 50 and the wiper 48are positioned generally in the middle of the tube 16, between the firstand second ends 18, 20.

The wiper 48 is generally rectangular and extends between a first upperportion 64 and a second lower portion 66. The wiper 48 extends through aslot 67 in the bottom side 24 of the tube 16 and is sized such thatthere is a snug fit between the wiper 48 and the tube 16 to prevent anyleakage of the material 46 or lubricant from the reservoir 30. The upperportion 64 of the wiper 48 is disposed in the reservoir 30 and is indirect contact with the material 46 disposed therein. The lower portion66 of the wiper 48 extends downwardly below the bottom side 24 of thetube 16 and is in continuous contact with the movable member 12. Thewiper 48 is resiliently flexible in order to maintain an even amount ofpressure and contact on the movable member 12. In the embodiment shown,the wiper 48 is a felt material; however, it is appreciated that thewiper 48 may be any suitable material without varying from the scope ofthe invention.

The flow restrictor 50 regulates the flow of lubricant through the wiper48 by adjusting the thickness of the gap 62. It is appreciated thatdecreasing the thickness of the gap 62 will compress the wiper 48 andrestrict the flow of lubricant through the wiper 48, thus transferringand supplying less lubricant to the movable member 12. The thickness ofthe gap 62 is adjusted by machining the end surface 58 of the blocks 56such that when the base 52 is fixedly secured to the clamping portion 38of the front cover 34 the thickness of the gap 62 is decreased. Thethickness of the gap 62 can be adjusted depending on the requirements ofthe specific application to obtain the desired amount of lubricanttransferred from the reservoir 30 to the movable member 12.

The flow of lubricant from the reservoir 30 to the movable member 12 canbe regulated by changing any of the following elements separately or incombination: (i) the type of the material 46 disposed in the reservoir30; (ii) the type of lubricant in the material 46; (iii) the material ofthe wiper 48; (iv) the size of the wiper 48—including length, thickness,and width; and (v) the thickness of the gap 62.

Although not shown, it is appreciated that the lubrication assembly 10could, in the alternative, be mounted to the movable member 12 such thatthe wiper 48 is in contact with the stationary member 14. The movablemember 12 would then move the lubrication assembly 10 relative to thestationary member 14 and the wiper 48 would transfer lubricant from thereservoir 30 to the stationary member 14.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 10, wherein like primed reference numeralsrepresent similar elements as those described above, in a secondembodiment of the invention the lubrication assembly 10′ includes a pairof elongated rectangular tubes 70 fixedly secured together with a wiper48′ disposed therebetween. Each tube 70 extends between a first end 72and a second end 74. Each tube 70 also includes a top side 76, a bottomside 78, an inner side 80, and an outer side 82 defining a reservoir 84within the respective tube 70. The inner sides 80 of the tubes 70 are infacing relation and the tubes 70 are fixedly secured together by a pairof bolts 86 or other similar fasteners. The tubes 70 are positioned withthe first end 72 of one tube 70 adjacent to the second end 74 of theother tube 70 such that a portion of the reservoirs 84 are adjacent andlaterally overlap. Along the overlapping portion of the reservoirs 84,the inner sides 80 of each tube 70 include a plurality of laterallyspaced apart holes 88. The plurality of laterally spaced apart holes 88in one tube 70 are offset from and do not coincide with the plurality oflaterally spaced apart holes 88 in the other tube 70 when the tubes 70are fixedly secured together. In the embodiment shown, the inner side 80of each tube 70 includes two (2) holes 88. The bottom and outer sides78, 82 of each tube 70 are recessed at the first end 72 to allow accessto the bolts 86 fixedly securing the tubes 70 together. The top side 76of each tube 70, at the first end 72 thereof, includes an aperture 90for receiving a bolt or other similar fastener 91 (one shown)therethrough for mounting the lubrication assembly 10′ to the stationarymember 14′, as shown in FIG. 9.

Each tube 70 includes first and second end caps 92, 94 for closing therespective first and second ends 72, 74 of the tube 70. In theembodiment shown, the first end cap 92 is welded and therefore fixedlysecured to the first end 72 of each tube 70. The second end cap 94 ispress fit and therefore removably coupled to the second end 74 of eachtube 70. The reservoir 84 in each tube 70 is filled with the lubricantstoring and releasing material 46′. Because the second end cap 94 isremovably coupled to the second end 74 of each tube 70, the reservoirs84 may be easily accessed to replace the material 46′ after a specifiedperiod of time.

The wiper 48′ is designed for automatically transferring and supplyinglubricant from the reservoirs 84 to the movable member 12′. The wiper48′ is generally rectangular and extends the width of the overlappingportion of the reservoirs 84. The wiper 48′ extends between a firstupper portion 96 and a second lower portion 98. The upper portion 96 isdisposed between the inner sides 80 of the tubes 70. The lower portion98 extends downwardly below the bottom side 78 of the tubes 70 and is incontinuous contact with the movable member 12′. The wiper 48′ isresiliently flexible in order to maintain an even amount of pressure andcontact on the movable member 12′. In the embodiment shown, the wiper48′ is a felt material; however, it is appreciated that the wiper 48′may be any suitable material without varying from the scope of theinvention.

The upper portion 96 of the wiper 48′ includes a plurality of laterallyspaced apart fingers 100. The plurality of laterally spaced apartfingers 100 correspond to the plurality of laterally spaced apart holes88 in the inner sides 80 of the tubes 70. In the embodiment shown, theupper portion 96 of the wiper 48′ includes four (4) fingers 100. Eachfinger 100 extends through the corresponding hole 88 and into therespective reservoir 84. The fingers 100 alternate reservoirs 84 suchthat first and third fingers 100 extend through holes 88 in one tube 70and second and fourth fingers 100 extend through holes 88 in the othertube 70.

The flow of lubricant from the reservoirs 84 to the movable member 12′can be regulated by changing any of the following elements separately orin combination: (i) the type of the material 46′ disposed in thereservoirs 84; (ii) the type of lubricant in the material 46′; (iii) thematerial of the wiper 48′; (iv) the size of the wiper 48′—includinglength, thickness, and width; and (v) the size of the fingers 100.

Although, not shown, it is appreciated that the lubrication assembly 10′could, in the alternative, be mounted to the movable member 12′ suchthat the wiper 48′ is in contact with the stationary member 14′. Themovable member 12′ would then move the lubrication assembly 10′ relativeto the stationary member 14′ and the wiper 48′ would transfer lubricantfrom the reservoirs 84 to the stationary member 14′.

It is contemplated that the lubrication assembly 10, 10′ could be usedfor a variety of different applications requiring lubrication such asfor example lubricating hot and cold rolled steel prior to coiling thesteel, lubricating steel blanks prior to part processing such as by deepdrawing, conditioning of bowling lanes, and lubricating bearings, chainsand belts in conveyor systems. One example in which the lubricationassembly 10, 10′ is used with a type of conveyor system is in anexercise treadmill, generally shown, at 110, in FIGS. 11 and 12.Exercise treadmills 110 are well known for allowing a user to walk orrun in a stationary position.

The treadmill 110 includes a generally rectangular support frame,generally indicated at 112, having a pair of laterally spaced apart andelongated side members 114 extending between a forward member 116 and arearward member 118. A user support handle 120 extends upwardly from andis fixedly secured to the forward member 116. The treadmill 110 alsoincludes a pair of opposing and laterally spaced apart forward rollerbrackets 122 and rearward roller brackets 124. The forward rollerbrackets 122 are fixedly secured to the side members 114 adjacent to theforward member 116. The rearward brackets 124 are fixedly secured to theside members 114 adjacent to the rearward member 118. A support deck126, equivalent to the stationary member 14, 14′ described above,extends between the forward and rearward roller brackets 122, 124 andincludes an upper deck surface 128 and a lower deck surface 30, shown inFIGS. 13 through 15. The support deck 14, 14′, 126 can be positioned onan incline, as shown in FIG. 11, positioned horizontally, or adjustedbetween a horizontal position and an inclined position. The support deck14, 14′, 126 is typically a smooth sheet of wood, metal or the like. Afirst or powered roller 132 extends laterally between and is rotatablycoupled at its ends to the forward roller brackets 122. A second oridler roller 134, parallel to the first roller 132, extends laterallybetween and is rotatably coupled at its ends to the rearward rollerbrackets 124. It should be noted that the first roller 132 can also bean idler roller where the treadmill 110 is manually powered by theuser's walking or running movement without departing from the scope ofthe invention. An endless belt 136, equivalent to the movable member 12,12′ described above, extends in a closed loop around the first andsecond rollers 132, 134. Referring to FIGS. 13 through 15, the belt 12,12′, 136 includes an upper section 138 having an exterior surface 140and an interior surface 142. The user's feet engage the exterior surface140 along the upper section 138 of the belt 12, 12′, 136. The interiorsurface 142 of the upper section 138 engages the first and secondrollers 132, 134 and the upper deck surface 128. The belt 12, 12′, 136also includes a lower section 144 having an exterior surface 146 and aninterior surface 148. The interior surface 148 of the lower section 144engages the first and second rollers 132, 134.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the design of thetreadmill 110 may vary from that described above without departing fromthe scope of the invention. For the purpose of this example, it is onlynecessary that the treadmill 110 include the belt 12, 12′, 136 extendingin a closed loop around the first and second rollers 132, 134 with thesupport deck 14, 14′, 126 positioned between the upper and lowersections 138, 144 of the belt 12, 12′, 136.

The treadmill 110 further includes the lubrication assembly 10, 10′ forlubricating the belt 12, 12′, 136. The lubrication assembly 10, 10′, ismounted to the lower deck surface 130 at a location between the forwardand rearward rollers 132, 134. The lubrication assembly 10, 10′ isgenerally parallel to the forward and rearward rollers 132, 134 and mayextend substantially the entire width of the belt 12, 12′, 136.

In operation, the belt 12, 12′, 136 moves in an endless path about thefirst and second rollers 132, 134 while moving along the upper decksurface 128 in the direction of arrow A. The user's feet engage theexterior surface 140 of the upper section 138 of the belt 12, 12′, 136thereby exerting a downward force on the support deck 14, 14′, 126. Thedownward force causes friction between the interior surface 142 of theupper section 138 of the belt 12, 12′, 136 and the upper deck surface128. At the same time, lubricant stored in the material 46, 46′ isreleased and transferred by the wiper 48, 48′ to the interior surface148 of the lower section 144 of the belt 12, 12∝, 136 due to themovement of the belt 12, 12′, 136 past the wiper 48, 48′ in thedirection of arrow B. The interior surface 148 of the lower section 144then becomes the interior surface 142 of the upper section 138 and thelubricant reduces the coefficient of friction between the upper decksurface 128 and the belt 12, 12′, 136.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example in which the lubrication assembly 10′ isused with the treadmill 110 and is removably coupled to the lower decksurface 130 to allow for replacement of the lubrication assembly 10′without the use of tools. A first support bracket 150 is fixedly securedto the lower deck surface 130 by bolts or other similar fasteners 152(one shown). The first support bracket 150 extends laterallysubstantially the entire width of the belt 12′, 136′. Similarly, asecond support bracket 154 is fixedly secured to the lower deck surface130 by bolts or other similar fasteners 156 (one shown). The secondsupport bracket 154 extends laterally, substantially the entire width ofthe belt 12′, 136′. The first and second support brackets 150, 154 arespaced apart providing a gap 158 therebetween. The lubrication assembly10′ is supported by the first and second support brackets 150, 154, andthe wiper 48′ extends downwardly through the gap 158 and is incontinuous contact with the belt 12′, 136′ as described above.

Each of the first and second support brackets 150, 154 include a firsttab (not shown) fixed at one end thereof. The fixed tabs locate thelubrication assembly 10′ laterally with respect to the belt 12′, 136′and prevent the lubrication assembly 10′ from sliding out of the firstand second support brackets 150, 154 during operation of the treadmill110. At ends opposite the fixed tabs, the first and second supportbrackets 150, 154 each include a second tab 160 quick release coupledthereto. The quick release tabs 160 locate the lubrication assembly 10′laterally with respect to the belt 12′, 136′ and prevent the lubricationassembly 10′ from sliding out of the first and second support brackets150, 154 during operation of the treadmill 110. The quick release tabs160 can be released by hand to allow removal and replacement of thelubrication assembly 10′. While the treadmill 110 is shown with thelubrication assembly 10′ removably coupled thereto, it is contemplatedthat the lubrication assembly 10 could similarly be removably coupled tothe treadmill 110 without varying from the scope of the invention.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is tobe understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended tobe in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Manymodification and variations of the present invention are possible inlight of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood thatwithin the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practicedother than as specifically described.

1. A lubrication assembly is provided for lubricating a surface with alubricant, said lubrication assembly comprising: a tube adapted to becoupled to the surface, said tube defining a reservoir for storing thelubricant therein; and a wiper coupled to said tube and having a firstportion in fluid communication with the lubricant and a second portiondisposed for continuous contact with the surface for automaticallytransferring and supplying the lubricant from said reservoir to thesurface, whereby the lubricant reduces frictional properties of thesurface.
 2. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidat least one tube includes a slot therethrough.
 3. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said wiper extends through saidslot in said at least one tube such that said first portion of saidwiper is in fluid communication with the lubricant disposed within saidreservoir.
 4. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 3 whereinsaid at least one tube includes a cover removably coupled thereto forproviding access to said reservoir therein.
 5. A lubrication assembly asset forth in claim 4 wherein said cover includes a clamping portionextending therefrom.
 6. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 5including a base adapted to be fixedly secured to said clamping portionof said cover thereby defining a gap therebetween, and wherein saidwiper is disposed in said gap between said base and said clampingportion of said cover thereby securing said wiper to said at least onetube and regulating lubricant flow through said wiper.
 7. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein said base includes a pair ofspaced apart blocks and a cylindrical connecting member extendingtherebetween, thereby defining said gap between said cylindricalconnecting member and said clamping portion of said cover.
 8. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said wiper isdisposed in said gap between said cylindrical connecting member and saidclamping portion of said cover.
 9. A lubrication assembly as set forthin claim 8 wherein each of said pair of spaced apart blocks includes anend surface for abutting said clamping portion of said cover when saidbase is fixedly secured thereto and whereby machining said end surfacesdecreases a thickness of said gap thereby compressing said wiper andrestricting lubricant flow through said wiper.
 10. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein a width of said wiper is lessthan a width of said at least one tube.
 11. A lubrication assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein said at least one tube includes at leastone hole therethrough.
 12. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim11 wherein said first portion of said wiper includes at least one fingerextending through said at least one hole into said reservoir, said atleast one finger in fluid communication with the lubricant.
 13. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 12 including a first tubefixedly secured to a second tube wherein said first portion of saidwiper is disposed between said first and second tubes.
 14. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein a reservoir of said first tubelaterally overlaps at least a portion of a reservoir of said secondtube.
 15. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein saidfirst tube includes a first side having at least one hole therethroughand said second tube includes a first side having at least one holetherethrough, said first side of said first tube abutting said firstside of said second tube and said it least one hole in said first tubeoffset laterally from said at least one hole in said second tube.
 16. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first portionof said wiper includes at least one finger extending through said atleast one hole in said first tube into said reservoir and at least onefinger extending through said at least one hole in said second tube intosaid reservoir.
 17. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 16wherein said first side of said first tube includes a plurality oflaterally spaced apart holes therethrough and said first side of saidsecond tube includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart holes offsetlaterally from said holes in said first tube, and wherein said firstportion of said wiper includes a plurality of laterally spaced apartfingers alternating between extending through said holes in said firsttube and said holes in said second tube.
 18. A lubrication assembly asset forth in claim 17 wherein said first tube includes an end capremovably coupled thereto for providing access to said reservoir thereinand said second tube includes an end cap removably coupled thereto forproviding access to said reservoir therein.
 19. A lubrication assemblyas set forth in claim 18 wherein a width of said wiper is generally thesame width as the overlapping portion of said reservoirs of said firstand second tubes.
 20. A lubrication assembly mounted to a first surfaceis provided for lubricating a second surface, said lubricating assemblycomprising: a tube adapted to be coupled to the first surface, said tubedefining a reservoir, a material disposed within said reservoir, saidmaterial including a lubricant; and a wiper coupled to said tube andhaving a first portion in fluid communication with said material and asecond portion disposed for continuous contact with the second surfacefor automatically transferring and supplying said lubricant form saidreservoir to the second surface, whereby said lubricant reducesfrictional properties of the second surface.
 21. A lubrication assemblyas set forth in claim 20 wherein said material is PERMAWICK.
 22. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said material isPERMAGEL.
 23. A lubrication assembly is provided for lubricating atreadmill with a lubricant, the treadmill including a support deck andan endless belt extending in a closed loop around the support deck, theendless belt having an interior surface engaging the support deckresulting in friction therebetween, said lubrication assemblycomprising: at least one tube adapted to be coupled to the support deckof the treadmill, said at least one tube defining a reservoir forstoring the lubricant therein; and a wiper coupled to said at least onetube and having a first portion in fluid communication with saidlubricant and a second portion disposed for continuous contact with theinterior surface of the endless belt for automatically transferring andsupplying said lubricant from said reservoir to the endless belt as theendless belt moves relative to said wiper thereby reducing the frictionbetween the support deck and the interior surface of the endless belt.24. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 23 wherein said atleast one tube includes a slot therethrough.
 25. A lubrication assemblyas set forth in claim 24 wherein said wiper extends through said slot insaid at least one tube such that said first portion of said wiper is influid communication with the lubricant disposed within said reservoir.26. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 25 wherein said atleast one tube includes a cover removably coupled thereto for providingaccess to said reservoir therein.
 27. A lubrication assembly as setforth in claim 26 wherein said cover includes a clamping portionextending therefrom.
 28. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 27including a base adapted to be fixedly secured to said clamping portionof said cover thereby defining a gap therebetween, and wherein saidwiper is disposed in said gap between said base and said clampingportion of said cover thereby securing said wiper to said at least onetube and regulating lubricant flow through said wiper.
 29. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 28 wherein said base includes a pair ofspaced apart blocks and a cylindrical connecting member extendingtherebetween, thereby defining said gap between said cylindricalconnecting member and said clamping portion of said cover.
 30. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 29 wherein said wiper isdisposed in said gap between said cylindrical connecting member and saidclamping portion of said cover.
 31. A lubrication assembly as set forthin claim 30 wherein each of said pair of spaced apart blocks includes anend surface for abutting said clamping portion of said cover when saidbase is fixedly secured thereto and whereby machining said end surfacesdecreases a thickness of said gap thereby compressing said wiper andrestricting lubricant flow through said wiper.
 32. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 31 wherein a width of said wiper is lessthan a width of the endless belt.
 33. A lubrication assembly as setforth in claim 33 wherein said at least one tube includes at least onehole therethrough.
 34. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 33wherein said first portion of said wiper includes at least one fingerextending through said at least one hole into said reservoir, said atleast one finger in fluid communication with the lubricant.
 35. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 34 including a first tubefixedly secured to a second tube wherein said first portion of saidwiper is disposed between said first and second tubes.
 36. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 35 wherein a reservoir of said first tubelaterally overlaps at least a portion of a reservoir of said secondtube.
 37. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 36 wherein saidfirst tube includes a first side having at least one hole therethroughand said second tube includes a first side having at least one holetherethrough, said first side of said first tube abutting said firstside of said second tube and said at least one hole in said first tubeoffset laterally from said at least one hole in said second tube.
 38. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 37 wherein said first portionof said wiper includes at least one finger extending through said atleast one hole in said first tube into said reservoir and at least onefinger extending through said at least one hole in said second tube intosaid reservoir.
 39. A lubrication assembly as set forth in claim 38wherein said first side of said first tube includes a plurality oflaterally spaced apart holes therethrough and said first side of saidsecond tube includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart holes offsetlaterally from said holes in said first tube, and wherein said firstportion of said wiper includes a plurality of laterally spaced apartfingers alternating between extending through said holes in said firsttube and said holes in said second tube.
 40. A lubrication assembly asset forth in claim 9 wherein said first tube includes an end capremovably coupled thereto for providing access to said reservoir thereinand said second tube includes an end cap removably coupled thereto forproviding access to said reservoir therein.
 41. A lubrication assemblyas set forth in claim 40 wherein a width of said wiper is generally thesame width as the overlapping portion of said reservoirs of said firstand second tubes and the same width as the endless belt.
 42. Alubrication assembly as set forth in claim 41 including a pair of spacedapart brackets fixedly secured to the support deck of the treadmill forsecuring and supporting said lubrication assembly, said pair of spacedapart brackets including at least one quick release tab preventingremoval of said lubrication assembly during use of the treadmill andallowing selective removal of said lubrication assembly.
 43. Alubrication assembly is provided for a treadmill including a supportdeck and an endless belt extending in a closed loop around the supportdeck, the endless belt having an interior surface engaging the supportdeck resulting in friction therebetween, said lubrication assemblycomprising: a tube adapted to be coupled to the support deck of thetreadmill, said tube defining a reservoir therein; a material disposedwithin said reservoir, said material including a lubricant; and a wipercoupled to said at least one tube and having a first portion in fluidcommunication with said material and a second portion disposed forcontinuous contact with the interior surface of the endless belt forautomatically transferring and supplying said lubricant from saidreservoir to the endless belt as the endless belt moves relative to saidwiper thereby reducing the friction between the support deck and theinterior surface of the endless belt.
 44. A lubrication assembly as setforth in claim 43 wherein said material is PERMAWICK.
 45. A lubricationassembly as set forth in claim 44 wherein said material is PERMAGEL.